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Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt August/September, 2012
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Dear Readers Love the home you live in! This month take a walk down memory lane as we feature things from the past and designs of the present. We thank you for all your support through the years and welcome you to share your @Home images and stories with us on facebook. Happy 50th Independence Anniversary! Cheers, Lisa Jessamy
Associate Editor, Special Publications Unit
Contents DESIGN AND DÉCOR • A marriage of taste 4 • Arts and Antiques 5 • Nostalgia 8&9 • Through the Years 10 IN THE KITCHEN • Experience Tea-Licious 6 • Victorian Kitchens 6 DIVINE ENTERTAINING • High Tea 7 BRIGHT IDEAS • Bridging Past and Present 11 SURFACES • Unique Doily Wall Art 12 BACKYARD BASICS • Enchanted Garden 13 FABRICS AND FURNISHINGS • The evolution of the chandelier 14 • The Sofa 14 HOME HISTORY • Nineteenth century colonial architecture of Port of Spain 15
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Special Publications Unit
SPU Producer: Tracey Alonzo Head of Design: Marketing/SPU Denise Baptiste Associate Editors: Lisa Jessamy • Halcian Pierre Design/Layout: Aadel Chin-Albert • Sean Simon Contributors: Ann Moore-Spencer, Randall Waddell, Dianne Hunt Christine Dalkan, Kaelanne Jordan, Akiela Hope Photography: Scully Photography and Soft Box Studios
Business Development (SPU) Manager: Account Executive:
Sonja Romany sonja.romany@guardian.co.tt Charlotte Young Sing charlotte.young.sing@gmail.com
Sales Sales Manager:
Home Magazine
George Elias george.elias@guardian.co.tt
http://www.guardian.co.tt
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• DESIGN & DÉCOR
People come in all shapes and chandelier into the space, either sizes, and their design styles over a dining table or reading nook, usually vary too. So when two will support the design requirepeople choose to live together, ments for a dual space. well… compromise is definitely Fabric also assists greatly in the name of the game. When blending the two decorating styles. those people have a mix of traVintage inspired fabrics, like soft ditional styles (vintage) and paisley patterns work well with modern tastes, then the marmodern geometric prints, solids riage of those styles is crucial to and stripes. The goal here would happiness and a comfortable be to use patterns sparingly, and in home. neutral cohesive tones, so as not The key in creating this dualto become a visual circus. Randall Waddell style design is to make use of In a room where more than one Principal Designer both traditional and modern acactivity takes place, designing cabHomeWork Design Studio cents. Balance your furniture. inetry to perform a number of 680-6732 Have the modern clean lines of functions enhances the use of the some pieces meet the traditional, space. Closed cabinets can house more comfortable lines of others. media components (TV, DVD The result is a harmonious merging of timeplayer, etc) as well as computer games, CDs, worn traditional décor and clean, contemporary DVDs. Open shelves can then be used for disstyle. playing collections, photographs, books and speThen make the most of natural elements like cial keepsakes gathered from your travels. If the stone-facing for walls which speaks to the tradi- TV is too large, (as most can be these days!) tionalist, but works well with the modern styles then consider framing it with cabinets that will of steel, glass and the hard corners of modern soften all the technology. furnishings. Harmonise the natural stone with For a design-marriage made in heaven, take fresh, white accent walls and ceilings, using on the challenge to mix-and-match your tastes! shades of cream, putty and soft neutrals to play on the modern. Combine recessed lights, as your primary illuWebsite: http://www.homeworktt.com mination, with spot lighting to accent any beauhttps://www.facebook.co/homeworkdesignstudio tiful pieces of art. Mixing a wrought-iron
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• DESIGN & DECOR
Timeless Elegance
Gabby Tommy of Arts & Antiques, West Mall.
“... this year it is all about bold and rich colours, especially in cushions that are bright and bold.”
When the opportunity struck for Gabby Tommy to open Arts & Antiques he did not hesitate. He has always had a great love for old things and collecting antiques. “I love how the designers of home furnishings come up with the most beautiful things to decorate your home with, not only visual, but also appealing to smells, like exotic candles, and feel, like luxury cushions, throw and rugs,” says Tommy. For those interested in sprucing up their décor for the holidays, now is the best time to start shopping and the best time to visit Arts & Antiques. The quaint home furnishings store is located at the Falls, Westmall, Westmoorings, and houses the latest arrivals of fur-
Photos: SOFTBOX STUDIOS
nishings for this year. Apart from antiques, the store also carries a range of furnishings and art pieces in varying styles from modern to shabby chic and French country. According to Tommy, this year it is all about bold and rich colours, especially in cushions that are bright and bold. You can also find replicas of bygone days, like an antique water jug and basin, men’s valet which really brings back the days of style and class. Their silver jewellery is one of the store’s best sellers and they are known by many as having the best choice in the country where you can find unique pieces to suit every taste and personality. Tommy advises that if you have never bought an antique before and you want to start, a good place would be to do some research on the net and see what interests you. “I love the art Deco style that was from 1910-1935; it looks very modern with a focus on straight lines, and geometry. If you like this style you can find really beautiful jewellery in the Deco style, or my favourite tea sets,” says Tommy. For Tommy, art means so many different things. “It means to be creative, to be expressive, and sometimes art is pure beauty, something from God. Art can also be something disturbing, something that is not so beautiful, but it provokes you. In my shop art is all around me,” says Tommy. In all, Tommy says that if you are looking to create a look in your room for example a theme, you then you need to look for things to finish that look, so if you want to do a Chinese theme, then your art will have to reflect that style. He also welcomes those who are seriously interested in their home design and decor to visit Arts & Antiques. “If you want me to help you with your home, I am happy to give you all my advice, just come into my shop.” Art & Antiques also delivers to your home and while shipping is not done nationwide, international shipping is offered.
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• IN THE KITCHEN
Victorian
kitchens
Experience
Tea-licious
Victorian kitchens draw their designs from the ornate furniture styles named after Queen Victoria of England who reigned from 1837 to 1901. Victorian kitchen cabinets are graceful and elegant with elaborate carvings and gothic ornamentation. While today's large, open kitchens bear little in resemblance to cooking quarters of 19th century England, one can still tap into the historic beauty and flair of a Victorian style kitchen. With proper planning and execution, you can achieve a beautiful Victorian kitchen design that is both practical and picture-perfect, fit for the kings and queens of your house. Most Victorian kitchens have a formal, somber appearance, indicating a sense of royalty, wealth, and weight. Dark oil finishes and heavy proportions resembling gothic and empire styles contribute to this mood. Victorian kitchen colors are often rich earth tones like deep reds, greens, blues, purples, and browns. On the other hand, by using a brighter color palette, you can introduce a more comfortable, "English country" feel to the kitchen with less formality. The mood is entirely up to you. Victorian kitchen designs incorporate a wide variety of materials, including wood, copper, brass, stone, and stained glass. The kitchen cabinetry can be constructed of Ash wood, Butternut, Maple, painted wood, Oak, Walnut, and Rosewood. An apron front sink in cast iron is the preferred choice for a Victorian sink. Excellent countertop materials include granite, marble, or wood. To soften the look, introduce some plush upholstery and draperies made of velvet, silk, and tapestry fabrics in keeping with the Victorian style. This article was provided by Whan Tong Agencies. A leading company in the Bath and Kitchen industry in Trinidad and Tobago. Please visit their showroom at 22 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook or online at www.whantong.com For more information contact them at 622-0481 or email: whantong@tstt.net.tt
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• ENTERTAINING
with Dianne Hunt
PHOTOS: ANTONY SCULLY PHOTOGRAPHY
“High Tea”
For centuries ancient civilizations have gathered for “high teas” and “low teas” (so named for the height of the tables used) to sip on heavenly tea liquors from around the world. As they nibbled on typical food fair, so paired to enhance and bring out the natural aromas and flavours of variously steeped brews, ladies and gentlemen were able to celebrate in a refined fashion the little pleasures of life or as in our case our little victory as an independent nation. Trinidad and Tobago’s 50th Golden Jubilee Independ-
Bubbly
Sweet Notes Divinitea No tea party will be complete without the beverage of choice. Featured here are Indira's garden – a perfumed Japanese Sencha Kyoto cherry green tea, and Savannah Afternoon– a bright Sri Lankan Orange Pekoe black tea. Both rich in antioxidants and full bodied with rounded floral notes. When serving at “high tea” fine bone-china is a must. The delicate decoration and craftsmanship in its ergonomic design makes it the ideal vessel for keeping tea at warm drinking temperatures. Also you can play up your party’s motif with a multitude of designs and colour schemes. Available exclusively at DH Gift.
ence is a holiday to be remembered, a celebration amply spiced with a distinct traditional flair yet peppered with Trini flavour. Celebrating comes naturally to us Trinbagonians, and when it comes to our nation’s birthday there is no better reason to hoist high the colours red, white and black. However this year we have an added bonus. With Keshorn Walcott’s victory in the 2012 Olympic Summer Games there is one more hue we can be proud of—gold. There is nothing quite like an Independence-themed tea party. Fruit infused mineral water is an exciting but refreshing twist to quench thirst in tropical heat. Also Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial Champagne completes the beverage line up.
As your table’s centre-piece use a decadent multi-layered cake. This Dark Chocolate Gateau Cake with its dark chocolate ganache, sliced almonds and beautifully placed strawberries by Jackie Scott O’ Brien reflects red, white and black without being to garish. Smaller bites of traditional mini-cheesecakes and red velvet cupcakes by Jardin’s can be placed on fine silverware for easy self-service.
Tasty Treats To balance the palate, savoury dishes like Paramin Herb Cheese Pâté Sandwiches byJackie Scott O’ Brien, Le Petite Avocado and Salmon Crêpes by Dianne Hunt, and Artichoke Pate with Onion Marmalade on Crostini Bread by Dianne Hunt served in manageable sizes introduces complex flavour to the tea party spread. So, when celebrating Trinidad and Tobago’s birthday this year take into consideration these tips to adding small touches of sophistication when you gather with friends and family. They will add polish
and an air of elegance that are synonymous with intimate gatherings: 1. Keep it simple. 2. Use the best quality artisanal foods— these elevated touches make things memorable. 3. Taking a few cues from our nation’s colours you can build a fun and festive table that guests will marvel at. And don’t forget the playful touches of gold! LIVE WITH PURPOSE http://www.facebook.com/DHGift
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Cool neutrals and crisp furnishings lend a lovely, liberated air to this kitchen.
• DESIGN & DÉCOR
Exquisite bed linens dating from the mid Victorian and Edwardian era's through the 1960's were used. Most beds were found to be decorated with beautiful sheets with matching pillowcases, shams, bolsters, single pillowcases, many with lovely hand trimmed edgings of crochet plus tatted, knitted lace and tassled edgings.
• DESIGN & DÉCOR
Empire-style furnishings in this bedroom and antiqued collection table give this bedroom a fabulous authentic and comfortable appeal.
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Prominent works of art including paintings by Boscoe Holder evokes a classical pavilion creating a little sanctuary of pleasure and privacy.
Lisa Jessamy
As you enter this local home, you immediately want to sit here and wait for some warm afternoon tea, admiring the lushness and textures of its surroundings. Each room’s accents are coordinated with different sensibilities. From the fixtures to furnishings you seem to be transported to different eras.
Since 1851, the name Singer has been synonymous with sewing. From home décor and clothing construction to embroidery and quilting.
Special Thanks to Soft Box Studio and our @Home guest home owner
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Marble-top
Through the Years
Ann Moore-Spencer
This week I sat down to have a chat with two older folks who had just done some window treatments, re-upholstery work and some accessorising of their living room. They were very pleased with the outcome and were reminiscing about the good old days. The good old days when, to them, interior decorating in the broader sense was not even heard of, much less understood. It was more important for their parents to put food on the table, and if they were lucky, clothes on their back. They felt really accomplished that in their retirement years they are able to enjoy a beautiful space. Their daughter, on the other hand, was revelling in her good fortune. She became the benefactor of a couple of their castoffs and ‘junk’ from her parents de-cluttering.
Morris Chairs
There are precious few in Trinbagonian homes today. I remember the cushions of my grandmother’s Morris chairs were stuffed with what looked like coconut fibre. The older couple actually had theirs in a storeroom. Their daughter updated them with an extra dark stain on the woodwork and lovely Ikat print cushions. Low and sleek, the chairs looked perfect in her contemporary décor. She also used the accompanying centre tables. I did some research and found a designer, Michael Connors, manufacturing Caribbean furniture from a facility in Ohio. Michael Connors has written books on Caribbean decorative arts and is an avid collector of Post-World War I Art Modern furniture. There is high demand and interest for his replicas of the Morris chairs we know. The replicas are now made from maple, ebony and rosewood. Here are a couple of their pieces Photo courtesy: architectsandartisans.com displayed at a recent High Point Market (A design market).
Wash stands
Remember those? Before the invention of indoor plumbing these stands were used with a pitcher and vessel for personal hygiene. Some units had a tiled backsplash, while others were tiled, and some units may not have any backsplash at all. Some units sport a full cabinet below the top; some have legs with drawers across the top. There are many variations actually. Today these washstands are re-purposed as, nightstands, console tables, and bathroom vanities. I have even seen them used as folding tables in laundry rooms. My daughter uses one as a dressing table. One of my favourite adaptations is using the antique washstand as a bathroom vanity. Here is a stunning example where the original marble top is fitted to accommodate a glass vessel sink and brushed nickel faucet.
Tall post mahogany beds
Remember those? What about the tester beds with the curtains around? I remember one friend inheriting her grandparents’ tester bed. She cut off the top. She found it was too massive. Her room actually had more space and height than her grandparents’ bedroom. Her grandparents were very proud of actually owning such a stately piece. They actually inherited it from their parents.
Fabric
The old couple told me stories of surviving in the face of adversity. They spoke of their parents using flour sacks for clothes, curtains, bed linen and kitchen towels. What about rice sacks (burlap) as the foundation for rugs and as cushion sacks. She spoke of bleaching and embroidering the flour sacks. Crochet lace was also used to embellish pieces. You would never have guessed the origin of the fabric when you saw the final item. Today the ‘vintage’ wave is very strong in every aspect of decorating. Burlap is everywhere – in window treatments, furniture, pillows … Take a look at this ‘vintage styled’ pillow using some of the same textiles from years gone by, but fully updated for today’s décor.
Not so far back we remember ‘granny’ print fabrics being all en vogue. Today we have large graphic or abstract floral fabric. Memory lane was truly nostalgic. I am sure if you cast your mind back you can come up with some memories of your own. Just remember there is little truly new under the sun. Look back and see if you pull any of those treasures from yester-year into the ‘now’.
Website: www.beyonddrapery.com Beyond Drapery Limited Blog: www.beyonddrapery.com/blog/ Phone: 868-678-3414 Email: beyonddrapery@tstt.net.tt www.facebook.com/BeyondDraperyLimited
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• BRIGHT IDEAS
The Tresa Collection offered by Brizo reunites us with the past by taking design elements from the earliest of European fountains. A simple bend in the neck and traditional styling provide the classic feel of these graceful structures. For more information contact them at 622.0481 or email: whantong@tstt.net.tt
Going green can look beautiful.
The Tresa Collection, along with many other Brizo designs, improves water efficiency through use of an aerator. The result is a faucet that delivers 1.5 gallons of water per minute — 31% less than a typical lavatory faucet. To view more of this collection and many others please visit Whan Tong Agencies at 22 Ariapita Avenue, Woodbrook, P.O.S or online at www.whantong.com
• SURFACES
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How-To-Create
Unique Doily Halcian Pierre
When I was little and lived with my grandmother, she augmented her small pension by doing crochet. The many doilies she created were used to decorate tables, the backs of sofas and even placed on chests of drawers. Even now, I still have some of her knitted treasures safely hidden away in my own clothing bins to be brought out every so often. However, searching online one day I came across a unique use for those doilies as wall art. A DIY project based on creating canvas wall art, the doilies are simply decoupaged on canvas, painted and hung on your walls. I’m sure if Granny knew she could do this back then, she would have covered her walls with them for sure. Here’s one way to create your own doily wall hangings according to Amy Anderson of modpodgerocksblog.com. As you will see, she purchased her doilies, but that’s no problem.
Wall Art Do It Yourself
Gather These Supplies
1 Here are the canvases used. You can typically get a "two-fer" pack on these which reduces the price a little.
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• 12" x 12" canvases • Round doilies • Satin and Fabric decoupage • FolkArt paint - Sky Blue, Turner's Yellow (or coordinating colours) • Scrapbook paper • Craft knife and mat • Paintbrush
Here are the doilies. The paper sheets were 12" x 12", same size as the canvases. I wanted to take off a bit so that you could see the paint around the edges of the canvases, so I trimmed them down to 11.5" square and set them aside.
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3 Paint the edges of the canvases with your coordinating colours. Give several coats and allow to dry.
4 Dump the decoupage glue in the middle of the canvas. You're going to want a medium layer of it and it dries quickly, so get a bunch on there and start spreading.
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You have to work quickly, and get the corners well; use a bigger brush if necessary as it will help you smooth it faster. Lay the paper down and smooth it on thoroughly - wipe away any decoupage that comes out the edges. Canvas is flexible, so always turn the canvas over and smooth on the back side as well. Allow to dry for 15 - 20 minutes. Repeat with your second canvas. Place decoupage glue over the top of your paper and coat the sides of the canvas as well. Allow to dry and then give a second coat. Allow to dry.
7 I used thick decoupaging fabric to add dots here and there on the doily. I didn't coat the whole thing with decoupage, just small areas, especially around the edges since they curl.
8 The doily was placed onto the canvas and then rolled it out with a brayer to make it stick. You will see the decoupage through the doily, but don't worry that will dry clear. Allow the canvases to dry for a few hours before hanging.
9 Put your doily art in a special place.
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• BACKYARD BASICS
Creating your Enchanted Garden Lisa Jessamy
When you look at this beautiful local garden, you immediately want to stay there. Sit on the bench, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds and just relax. Creating an enchanted garden requires care and creative thinking. Gardens through the years were meticulous and elegant and garden furniture and accessories were even more elaborate. Persons who owned them wanted their guests to feel a sense of place when they were entertained. Here are some great ideas that show us how to thoughtfully distribute planters, statues and furniture to create an enchanted garden.
BACKYARD BASICS WITH
DARREL DOOKOO Your landscaping and exterior design home guide
Garden accents are delicately crafted and are often in shapes that are unconventional. This cherub statue easily transforms the garden into a place where you want to spend a lot of time. You are compelled to spend more time amidst nature. Garden Statues are one of the accents that perfectly complement your garden. However, it is essential that you place them suitably to derive the perfect blend of beauty and ability to create proper impact on people.
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Create interesting combinations. Placing plants of different colours, textures and leaf size in a grouping at the garden centre will allow you to decide which combinations look good together and produce the desired effects even before buying. To create an eye-catching container, set the plants as close as you can.
The best Victorian gardens were surrounded by an imposing and ornate wrought iron work. The most popular Victorian garden furniture was made of heavy, indestructible and durable cast iron bench with fancy etchings and intricate patterns.
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• FABRICS & FURNISHINGS
The evolution of the Kaelanne Jordan
chandelier
The chandelier that we know today underwent a tremendous metamorphosis since its introduction in the Medieval times. In the 14th century, the chandelier, derived from the French word chandelle, was a simple ceiling mounted fixture that consisted of simple wooden cross pieces with protruding spikes serving as a candle holder to light up castles, churches, abbeys and foyers. By the 15th century, the chandelier served as a decoration piece and by the 18th and 19th centuries, innovations in technology were continuously being made to the chandelier. As gas and electricity sources were discovered, chandeliers provided functionality rather than illumination as they embodied a symbol of ultimate luxury and status being fixed in the homes of royalty. Today, in the 21st century, many designs are available and have evolved to further reflect our times, whilst still paying homage to the past. As such, people are making bold statements and embracing lights as an integral part of any room by hanging chandeliers in any part of their home including the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and almost every room of the home. According to Joan Ann Robertson, Lighting Administrator at Hadco Ltd, the chandelier today adds character and beauty to any interior space and allows buyers to select from a variety of sizes depending on the function of the room in which the chandelier is installed. "There are seven different styles of chandeliers for every room that are within the budgetary limits of the average homeownerantique, crystals, glass, candle bulbs, chandelier lighting, rustic and pendant. In terms of style and affordability, there is a chandelier for the average homeowner" she said. Robertson added that choosing a chandelier is just like choosing a piece of furniture or any decorative fixture/ element for your home. By hanging a chandelier in your home, you are not only adding a sparkling light, you are adding artwork. “Is it for ambiance or for functional purposes?" one should ask. “Selecting a particular size of chandelier should be based upon the room size, the height of your ceiling and cost, among other factors," The thumb rule states that, room length in feet should be the chandelier’s length in inches. Simply put the bigger the room the larger the size of the chandelier. “For instance, if your ceiling is 15 feet then the chandelier must light the area below, therefore it must drop 6 or 7 feet down," she said. One point to remember is that a large chandelier will also require more bulbs for lighting and more electricity consumption will inevitably lead to higher electricity bills. Maintenance also plays a crucial role in the durability of a chandelier. While the notion of owning a chandelier may seem as a luxury, having one can enhance the look and feel of a room tremendously.
The Sofa A Rich Cultural History
Christine Dalkan
“Every living room should be built around the perfect sofa.” Nate Berkus — Design expert Today, the sofa presents itself, rather elegantly, even in the most professional of spaces. In Trinidad and Tobago you can find a sofa to match every need and every setting. The sofa was invented by Europeans more than 300 years ago (it is claimed). This functional piece of furniture has become the major accessory in most living rooms today. We can’t pinpoint exactly which country in Europe is responsible for this awesome invention, neither can we tell you the name of the inventor. However, interestingly it seems that sofas existed long before the Europeans even ‘invented’ it. In many Egyptian wall paintings, there are sketches of Pharaohs lounging on furniture that look mightily similar to the sofa. The Greeks and Romans
were also known for lounging on sofas while dining. The earliest surviving sofa however remains the double Windsor chairs without a division that were made in England in the 1690’s. This sofa still keeps its original upholstery and beautiful design, but its thin padding does not offer much in terms of comfort. In future years, the French craftsmen would dominate the production of sofas, or as they called them canapés. These were of a low-backed style, but just as thinly padded as the English sofa. They were short-lived in France. As wood sculpting techniques, new tools and modern upholstery became reality; sofas became more sophisticated and comfortable. Elaborate carved frames and plush upholstery became added components of the sofa and in-
creased the popularity of this piece of furniture. Sofas began playing an important role in the attitudes of noblewomen of the 1690s with pictures of those times showing more relaxed poses, not common to ladies of that era. They draped their arms over the backs and put up their feet – not very conventional, wouldn’t you say? People went sofa-crazy and everyone wanted to have one. The French royal court underwent a transformation from stiff upper-lip to nobles lounging on sofas – to the dismay of the nobles of other European countries who visited France. It continues to hold an important place in décor, so much so, that celeb design expert Nate Berkus says every living room should be built around the perfect sofa.
Fast Fact: Couch comes from French word ‘coucher’ meaning to lie down. Sofa comes from Arabic word ‘suffah’ which means long reclining bench. French called them canapés, which is derived from English canapés (a finger food) sitting on a ‘couch’ of bread.
• HOME HISTORY
Trinity Cathedral At the time that the Spanish capituand doors for the ground floor with lated to the British in 1797, the immedecorative cast-iron railings. diate concern of the British was to Over the years the building has secure and establish its authority over been adapted to modern medical and acceptance by a predominantly practice, but fortunately much of the Catholic French population governed external detailing has been retained. by Spanish law. This began with the The first Government Building on building of fortifications. Fort Picton the site of the existing Red House Geoffrey MacLean on Laventille Hill was completed in was constructed between 1844 and Citizens of 1798 and construction of Fort George 1848. The buildings comprised two Conservation and a series of batteries began in blocks as a concession to allow 1804. Other buildings included military Prince Street, now Sackville Street, barracks, government offices, to remain open to St. Vincent Street churches, health facilities and public parks such as and Brunswick Square. In 1849, during the tenure of Marine Square, Woodford Square and the Queens Governor Lord Harris, the building was burnt in a riot Park Savannah. objecting to a clause being debated requiring debtors Sir Ralph Woodford, Trinidad’s Governor between to have their heads shaved and wear prison clothes. 1813 and 1829, was particularly concerned with disciRebuilt shortly afterward, in 1892, in an effort to proplined urban development and with careful planning vide much needed accommodation, alterations were created in Port of Spain a well laid out pattern of carried out. Two new buildings of two floors were streets broken by several open squares with a large, erected on either side of the northern building used heavily landscaped promenade, Marine Square, for the Court House, one to house the Registrar, the known under the Spanish as Plaza del Marina and other the Records Office. Ornamentations were also now known as Independence Square, along the sea added to the exterior of the building. In 1897 to comfront. Woodford was also responsible for the purmemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, the chase of Paradise Estate for the Queen’s Park Savan- Government Offices were painted red and subsenah. Trinidad’s early nineteenth century architecture quently became known as the Red House. The buildwas typical of the neo-classical style popular under ing was destroyed by fire in the Water riots of 1903 the British colonial rule. The construction of Port of Spain’s Police HeadWoodford directed that a church suited to the quarters began in 1876. Built from limestone from growing and predominantly Catholic population be the Piccadilly Quarries its Italian-Gothic style presbuilt. Plans were drawn by Woodford's Colonial Secents an imposing façade with its clock tower and retary, an architect, Philip Reinagle. On 24th March large arched galleries on two levels. The building orig1816 the foundation stone of the present Cathedral inally housed the head of the Police Force as well as was laid. quarters for non-commissioned officers. Gutted by The new church was designed to replace an existfire in 1882 it was restored with iron staircases and ing wooden structure and was designed in the shape materials that were more fire resistant. It was gutted of the Latin Cross. The walls were made of blue by fire again in 1990 after a bomb was planted by inmetal stone quarried from the nearby Laventille Hills. surrectionists. Restoration work was completed in In 1852 Pope Pius IX declared that the Cathedral was 2001. to rank as a Minor Basilica. After the Great Fire of Port of Spain in 1885, the In 1809 the British Parliament gave money to build need for formal fire protection became necessary. By a new Anglican Church. Construction started with 1896 the city’s first steam fire engine replaced old the church situated in the middle of what is now and worn out hand pumps, the same year that the Woodford Square. The new building had progressed Fire Station at the corner of Abercromby and Hart to the completion of the walls, but because of the Streets was built. public outcry, Governor Woodford joined the conThe building is the first reinforced concrete strucdemnation and had it pulled down. New plans were ture in Port of Spain and is a fine example of old and prepared by Reinagle and the cornerstone of the new construction technology, blending well with the present Holy Trinity Cathedral was laid in May 1816. Red House and Trinity Cathedral with well articuThe building was completed in 1818. lated quoins and traditional stone markings. The About 1804, Orange Grove Estate, the site of today’s Port of Spain General Hospital, was acquired building is well-proportioned and functional in design, by the British Government on which the Orange a central tower providing a lookout over Port of Grove Barracks were established for the British Spain. Forces. In 1819 lands for the establishment of the Urban buildings were initially built of wood with new barracks in St. James were purchased, the Orsimple details. Substantial areas of Port of Spain ange Grove site considered less healthy than the were destroyed by fire on several occasions in the cleaner country air of St. James. Construction was nineteenth century regularly changing its architeccompleted on 11 June 1827. The design is typical of ture and upgrading standards. the neo-Classical British Colonial style. In the 1880’s architect George Brown of Scotland Named after the Court of St. James, St. James brought the Victorian elements of wooden fretwork, Barracks is perhaps the oldest government building steep pitched gables crowned by finials to domestic still in use in Trinidad today after nearly two hundred architecture and decorative cast iron columns and years and is now the home of the Trinidad and Tobalustrading to commercial architecture. After the bago Police Training School. great fire of Port of Spain of 1895, Brown redesigned The Colonial Hospital was built in 1855. The archithe main commercial area including Marine Square tect was Samuel Lewis who designed it in a neoand lower Frederick Street with a distinctive style classical architectural style, perhaps ostentatious, which included verandahs extended over the pavebut with a discipline well suited to the forces of the ments providing shade and shelter to pedestrians. Imperial Power. The details incorporate Ionic and Doric orders, stone from local quarries faced with im- Until the beginning of the twentieth century central Port of Spain was the social centre, with the families ported yellow brick, sash windows, wooden jalousies of merchants living above commercial outlets. and awnings. Segmental arches form the windows
Frederick Street
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Government Offices
Catholic Cathedral
Port of Spain General Hospital
Police Headquarters
Old Port of Spain
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Sunday Guardian www.guardian.co.tt August/September, 2012